My home town: A local's guide from what to see and where you can eat in Johannesburg

This bustling city comes with an abundance of culture, cuisine and “gees” - that’s an area word for “spirit”. In 2018, Jozi, as much of us locals make reference to it, was known as among the greenest cities on the planet, because of the abundance of trees around the town. Home to about four million people, it has loads to offer and is certainly worth a check out if you’re on the way to Cape Village or going on safari in Kruger National Park.

The Southern Sun resort in Hyde Recreation area, The Four Periods in Westcliff and Munro Get (Houghton) offer some of the best views of the beautiful Highveld sunset. If you’re lucky, you will knowledge an afternoon summer storm and, although it could be frightening to newbies, it’s quite something to witness. What’s better still is when sunlight comes out following the rainfall. The smell, the new oxygen and the lighting is certainly magical. This time around of year is beautiful, too, as heat isn’t as intense. In September - the start of spring - the roads will be blanketed in a haze of purple, as the jacaranda trees commence to bloom.

For something historical, Soweto is a must-visit. Residence for some of the country’s virtually all prolific freedom fighters, incorporating Nelson Mandela, there’s a lot to see and do, such as for example visiting Mandela’s house, checking out the Apartheid Museum or bungee-jumping or swinging between the Soweto Towers. Enjoy a delicious shisa nyama (barbecue or braai) on Vilikazi Road. A trip to the paleoanthropological blog Cradle of Humankind in the Gauteng province also needs to be on your own itinerary. If you’re an early riser and ready for a bout of exercise, there’s a great, safe loop to perform or routine around. The lion recreation area is nearby, so play and see a few of them. And for something more leisurely, take a trip in a hot-atmosphere balloon and revel in the sunrise over the Magaliesberg mountains. You should also make a pit visit a wonderful cheese farm known as Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij.

4th Avenue on Parkhurst is best place to eat. With an array of pavement cafes and small stalls, you’ll get spoiled for choice concerning where to like a superb breakfast or long, informal weekend lunch time. 2B Cafe in Bryanston can be a gem, with the staff friendly and accommodating. Another must-try is Neighbourgoods Industry, which opens on Saturdays and will be offering somewhat of inner-town fun that’s incredibly Instagrammable. For a vibrant evening, I’d recommend Illovo. If huge tea is your element, 54 on Bath in Rosebank is an effective choice and is near to Sandton Metropolis (South Africa’s financial hub).

It could sound generic, however the hop-on-hop-off bus tour is good for a good whirlwind trip around the City of Gold. If you like moving around by walking, perform the Dlala Nje walk. The guided tour explores the neighbourhood of Hillbrow. Generally, the city is always alive with plenty of great events, as well, so bookmark this site before your trip: www.inyourpocket.com/johannesburg.